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Astros' rotation in flux after deal, injury

Astros' rotation in flux after deal, injury

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By Brian McTaggart
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MLB.com |

BALTIMORE -- The trade of Bud Norris and the pushing back of Erik Bedard a few days has cast some uncertainty over the Astros' rotation beyond Jordan Lyles getting the ball in Thursday's series finale.

Bedard was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the Orioles after coming down with soreness in his left shoulder. Bedard threw in the bullpen prior to the game with assistant athletic trainer Rex Jones watching him.

"I just need a couple of days and I'll be fine," Bedard said.

When Bedard starts again is anyone's guess. Astros manager Bo Porter said the team will reshuffle its rotation following Wednesday's game. Lucas Harrell took Norris' spot in the rotation Tuesday, and lefty Brett Oberholtzer took Bedard's place on Wednesday.

"We had the day off [Monday], so some guys are going to be on a plus-one day," Porter said. "We're going to get through today and make sure we don't have to use a long guy, and see how the game pans out and set the rotation going forward."

The Astros went into Wednesday's game with 24 players on their roster and would have to add another player. General manager Jeff Luhnow said Triple-A starters Brad Peacock and Asher Wojciechowski are "firm candidates" to be called up.

Wojciechowski is 6-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) at Triple-A this season. Peacock is 6-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) with Oklahoma City. Luhnow was asked when first baseman Jonathan Singleton and outfielder George Springer would be called up. Springer is hitting .349 with 10 homers and 28 RBIs in only 31 games at Triple-A this year.

"They're Triple-A, and that's where they'll stay for now," he said. "We're excited about both Singleton and Springer, and feel that their time will come."